Picking the Right Power Tools
June 21, 2009 by Tool Editor
Filed under Electric Tools
by John Gault
Gas powered or charged? Cordless or corded? Makita or Milwaukee? What is the real difference between them, and do you really need to know? Of course you need to know. Besides the fact that certain power tools are better for certain projects, it’s your money that’s being spent on these items. With that said, here are a few tips to picking the right power tools, either for the project or job at hand or for your collection.
First things first, you need to figure out how much you will be using a particular power tool. If you’re planning on building a house, you’ll probably be using an electric saw or power drill a bit more than if you’re building a small shed. In this case, it would be a good idea to invest a bit more of your hard earned money into a high grade, professional-quality power tool than to buy a new lower-end model several times during the duration of the project.
After all, the lower end models simply aren’t to be used as often as the professional ones. On the flip side of that, if you have a relatively small project to complete and you don’t foresee many additional ones down the road, there’s not really a need to pay the price of a higher-end power tool.
When it comes to the flexibility of cordless power tools, there are both pros and cons to buying such a tool. The cordless tools have a battery pack to give the necessary power to the tool, but it needs to be charged when not in use. These battery packs can last anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the brand, model, and of course, the price.
If your project needs require only a few hours of one power tool at a time, leaving enough time for the battery pack and tool to be recharged before it’s needed again, a cordless power tool will be an asset to your tool chest. But if the tool is something you’ll be using over and over again without time to recharge, you’re better off with a corded power tool and several extension cords. What good would the best power tool be to you and your project if you can’t use it because the battery pack is dead?
When the question arises about gas-powered tools, it would have to depend on your personal preferences. I personally don’t like to have extra gas lying around in my garage because I have a small child. Other than that, gas gives you a lot of the finer traits of the cordless tools, plus the longevity of the corded.
Finally, when picking out the right power tools, be sure to purchase them from a business that sells everything you need to run your tool safely. This included protective eyewear and gloves as well as the appropriate clothing for you to complete your project the same way you began it- in one piece.
John Gault recommends that you visit http://www.toolbarn.com/ for more information on Power Tools.
Electric Tools Provide Fast Motorized Muscle
June 12, 2009 by Tool Editor
Filed under Electric Tools, Featured
Electric tools generate much more power than a lone human can provide. These tools add the power of electric motors to manual tools. The resulting electric power tools are excellent labor saving devices. The tedious cranking of the hand auger has been replaced by the quick efficiency of the electric drill. The back-breaking hand saw has been outpaced by the fast and easy electric circular saw. Electric sanders smooth woodworking projects thousands of times faster than hand sanding ever could.
Many electric tools operate using standard house current and voltage. This is a great advantage at the worksite, where that is the only type of electrical connection available. Often this means that extension cords must run from the connection to the power tool. This can be a safety hazard at a worksite. First, some extension cords are not rated to handle the currents needed by some power tools. The second danger is that these long cords are a tripping hazard, especially if multiple cords are used.
Battery powered electric tools eliminate the need for extension cords. These power tools utilize small but powerful rechargeable electric batteries. The worker has much more freedom to take his electric tool where it is needed. However, batteries need recharging, and heavy use means more frequent recharging periods. Because recharging may take several hours or overnight, start the job with several fully charged batteries at the beginning of the day. Let all the electric tool batteries recharge each night.
In a workshop, cords and batteries are not problems. All electric tools would simply plug into the house receptacles. Some power tools such as nailers run on compressed air. However, even a nailer needs an electric compressor. Table saws, band saws, sanders, planers, joiners, and even lathes can run on standard electric current. If an electric tool needs more demanding electric power, this can be installed for a nominal fee.
Electric powered tools are superior to tools that run on gasoline, except where electricity is unavailable. For example, loggers in mountainous terrain would certain use gasoline chain saws. For most other jobs, the electrically powered tool has the convenience advantage. On everyday worksites, the work crew using electric tools never has to worry about running out for another can of electricity!